March Madness at Faculty and Staff Game
The high school basketball season is officially over, but the atmosphere in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium was electric and the bleachers were packed as faculty and staff teams from Woodhull and Jack Abrams intermediate schools battled each other for bragging rights in the Huntington School District. Woodhull came from behind to win the game for the second consecutive year, 81-74.
Players on each team got into the swing of things with practice sessions in the days leading up to the big game and then went through extensive warm-ups prior to the start of action as fans buzzed with anticipation. Seats on both sides of the court filled quickly with students, parents and colleagues. The scene was reminiscent of a county championship game and was the talk around both schools all day long.
The Jack Abrams School team bolted to an 8-0 lead in the opening minutes. Then the sensational ball handling and shooting skills of first year physical education teacher Stef Sair kicked in and Woodhull gradually pulled even and then surged in front by halftime, never to look back.
Woodhull coach Martha Ironman, who is the school’s nurse, was masterful in utilizing her team’s full line-up in order to keep players fresh and strong. In addition to Sair, the winning team’s roster included Karen Behrman, Jim Creighton, Chris Dugan, Robert Gruebel, Cindy Fennessey, Steve Fitts, Chris Hender, Todd Hiscox, Mike Marinello, Keith Meyers and Akira Regan.
In the past few years, proceeds from the game have been used for a number of worthy causes ranging from playground enhancements at Jack Abrams School to the purchase of indoor and outdoor recess equipment and games at Woodhull as well as for beautification projects there.
“The turnout by students, parents, teachers and staff was amazing,” Woodhull Principal Kenneth A. Card, Jr. said about the game. “The school spirit and sportsmanship displayed by all in attendance was truly a proud moment for our school and district. The funds raised will be used to support our students' recess activities and to help keep Woodhull a wonderful place for all students to learn.”
PTA members from both schools played key roles in the fundraising that took place during the game and each of the teams featured faculty and staff cheerleaders. Fourth grade teacher Nicole Parrett sang the national anthem and she “did a wonderful job,” Dr. Card said.
“March Madness” produced a festive air throughout the arena and the game itself was once again quite competitive – and high scoring, too, which always results in plenty of fun. Offense typically has a way of producing more cheers than a defensive struggle. The crowd went wild each time one of the teams scored.
Refreshments and raffles were sold throughout the evening. Plenty of faculty and staff were seen walking gingerly down hallways in the days following the game, nursing sore muscles and telling tall tales about how well they played.
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